Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits

Even though the purple sea urchin has been an important model for biomedical research, its ageing process has not been studied in detail. Based on growth rates, it has been estimated that these animals can live over 50 years [0039]. One study demonstrated low levels of cell proliferation and apoptosis within the internal tissues, in keeping with their low metabolic rates [1225]. Since evidence suggests that the red sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus) is extremely long-lived with no detectable signs of ageing, the purple sea urchin may also be extremely long-lived and its maximum longevity may be considerably underestimated.